Reiki

Through history cultures have believed that humans have an unseen energy system that plays a vital role in their physical, mental, emotional and spiritual health. Science has now validated that belief, proving that not only do we have an energy system, but that our energies interact with the energy of others. Attempts to harness, control, and direct this energy for the purpose of healing ones-self and others have developed through history. The belief that one can focus their energy (or the energy of God, universe, etc.) to help you and your energy is the root of these practices. They have a variety of names; Reiki, Quantum Touch, Healing Touch, Laying of Hands, Intercessory Prayer are but a few. This exchange of energy occurs through physically touching, or being in physical proximity to the person, or by directing your intention to positively affect someone over long distances – depending on the method used.

Reiki is a Japanese form of energy healing developed by Dr. Mikao Usui. Mrs. Hawayo Takata brought Reiki from Japan to the West in 1937 and continued to practice and teach until her passing in 1980. The word Reiki is made of two Japanese words – Rei which means “God’s Wisdom or the Higher Power” and Ki (or Chi) which is “life force energy”. So Reiki is actually “spiritually guided life force energy.”

A treatment feels like a warm glow that flows through and around you. A Reiki healing is very simply performed. The practitioner places his or her hands upon the person to be healed with the intent for healing to occur, and then the energy begins flowing. The energy manages its own flow to and within the recipient. It draws through the practitioner exactly that amount of energy which the recipient needs. All this happens without direct conscious intervention by the practitioner. The practitioner’s job is to get out of the way, to keep the healing space open, and to watch/listen for signs of what to do next. Reiki treats the whole person including body, emotions, mind and spirit creating many beneficial effects that include relaxation and feelings of peace, security and wellbeing. By relaxing the body and mind, the person’s natural healing process is enhanced. It also works in conjunction with all other medical or therapeutic techniques to relieve side effects and promote recovery. In their training reiki practitioners are taught to follow the following principals;

Just for today, do not worry.
Just for today, do not anger.
Honor your parents, teachers, and elders.
Earn your living honestly.
Show gratitude to everything.

(Duane has been a Reiki Master for over 10 years, a Seichim Reiki Master, a Oneness Blessing Giver, and has had training in a variety of other healing traditions. As a practitioner he works with survivors of cancer)